Bhutto’s 47th death anniversary celebrated across country

The 47th death anniversary of former prime minister and founding president of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is being celebrated across the country on Saturday.

The leaders are paying tribute to his political legacy and contributions to the constitutional and democratic development of Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, called for upholding justice and institutional integrity, saying: “Institutions must uphold the rule of law, protect due process and ensure that justice is administered fairly and without bias.”

state broadcaster Radio Pakistan published in X about Zardari’s message.

Recalling Bhutto’s leadership, he said, “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s leadership during a difficult period after 1971 helped restore national confidence and chart a new constitutional course for the country,” adding that “the 1973 Constitution, which continues to guide our parliamentary system, remains one of the most enduring achievements of that period.”

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Referring to the circumstances surrounding Bhutto’s execution, the President noted that she was executed on April 4, 1979, following a trial held during Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law regime.

He pointed to the Supreme Court’s March 2024 opinion, which held that Bhutto had not been granted a fair trial, and observed that the judicial proceedings had “destroyed any semblance of due process and fair trial.”

“Nearly half a century after his execution, the Supreme Court held that he had not been given due process,” the president said, noting that the episode remains a fundamental lesson about the importance of justice and institutional responsibility.

He also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, noting that she carried forward the democratic struggle “for years marked by political repression, imprisonment and exile” and ultimately sacrificed her life for democratic ideals.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his death anniversary, praising his national, political and constitutional services. He said Bhutto rendered “valuable services with sincerity” for the development, prosperity and strong defense of Pakistan during his tenure as prime minister.

Highlighting her constitutional contributions, the prime minister said Bhutto played a “constructive role” in the formulation and adoption of the 1973 Constitution, which continues to occupy a central place in strengthening the parliamentary system and promoting democracy in the country.

He added that Bhutto made significant efforts to promote democratic governance, address fundamental issues of the people and effectively represent Pakistan on the world stage. The prime minister prayed for the elevation of Bhutto’s ranks and asserted that her political services would always be remembered.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and said his visionary leadership, independent foreign policy and pro-people approach continue to shape the direction of Pakistan.

Read more: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: architect of modern Pakistan

On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon described Bhutto as a defining figure in Pakistan’s political history. “Martyr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto symbolized an era, an ideology and the struggle for people’s rights,” he said.

He added that Bhutto “instilled political consciousness among the people of Pakistan and gave them a sense of democratic governance and sovereignty,” while also providing the country with a unanimous Constitution and laying the foundation for its nuclear program.

Memon further said that Benazir Bhutto, following in her father’s footsteps, contributed to the development of missile technology, adding that Pakistan’s current strong defense reflects the efforts of both leaders.

“Bhutto’s political thought and philosophy continue to serve as a guide for the leaders and workers of the Pakistan People’s Party,” he said, reaffirming that under the leadership of President Zardari and President Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party remains committed to carrying forward its mission.

PPP Central Spokesperson Shazia Marri paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his death anniversary and said April 4 reminds the nation of his struggle and sacrifices.

He said Bhutto provided Pakistan with a Constitution and a democratic path, adding that the 1973 Constitution remains the foundation of the country’s parliamentary system and constitutes its historic achievement.

Marri said Bhutto turned Pakistan into a nuclear power and played a key role in unifying the Muslim world. He added that he brought politics from the classroom to the public and gave political awareness to ordinary citizens.

He further said that the motto “roti, kapra aur makaan” (bread, clothing and shelter) was Bhutto’s vision and is still relevant today.

He said protection of democracy, Constitution and public rights was Bhutto’s mission, adding that Benazir Bhutto carried forward the fight against dictatorship and her sacrifice symbolizes the strengthening of democracy.

He added that the rule of law and constitutional continuity are essential for a strong Pakistan and that Bhutto’s vision continues to live in the hearts of the people. He said the PPP would continue its fight for democracy and public rights.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also paid tribute to Bhutto, describing her as a symbol of public consciousness, dignity and democracy.

Lanjar said Bhutto ensured a dignified and sovereign position for Pakistan in the international community and her vision still offered solutions to the country’s current challenges.

He said Bhutto gave voice and strength to the underprivileged and set a shining example of fighting for democracy, Constitution and public supremacy.

Lanjar added that the nation continues to be guided by Bhutto’s vision, courage and leadership, noting that he shaped Pakistan’s foreign policy along independent and dignified lines.

He said Bhutto inspired the youth with political awareness and confidence, adding that her sacrifice remains a lasting chapter in history. He further said that Bhutto made the people the true source of power and his philosophy continues to underpin the development of Pakistan.

Also read: PPP will follow Bhutto’s ideology: Zardari

Born on January 5, 1928 in Larkana, Bhutto received higher education in the United States and at Oxford. He founded the PPP in 1967, which soon emerged as a major political force in the country. He was president from 1971 to 1973 and then prime minister until 1977.

During his tenure, he introduced the 1973 Constitution, initiated Pakistan’s nuclear program and strengthened the country’s position on the world stage. Following the imposition of martial law in 1977, Bhutto was removed from office, tried in a murder case and subsequently executed in Rawalpindi.

The Sindh government declared a public holiday on the occasion, while commemorative events and gatherings were held across the country in a moderate manner, in line with austerity measures. PPP workers and supporters paid tribute to Bhutto, as well as Benazir Bhutto and other party leaders, reaffirming their commitment to the party’s founding ideals.